Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Toyota Tundra 2002 - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By troy slicker - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent fullsize truck, with excellent build quaility. I would buy another in a heart beat.I live Arizona and the summers are hot and A.C. is excellent. If you buy Tundra get the V8 you will be happy.

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  Best SUV on the road - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav4life - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Extremely smooth and quiet ride. No drifting on the freeways, and very spacious for front-seat-only commuters.

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  enjoying the commute - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By msmom - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I live in Atlanta and spend an average of 2 hours in the care commuting to work. I use to hate it but now that Ive got this care, its a piece of cake. The stereo system is great, got a 6 cd changer. The car handles well, pick up is good and stopping isnt a problem. Front and side airbags for protection, track control, leather interior, moon roof and wood grain dash. Its got a very stylish look with the rear spoiler and mud flaps. Love this car!

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  Great Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toyota Guy - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I Just traded a tundra w/trd for this 03toyota dbl cab w/trd and i am very very satisfied with truck. It fits me and my family better than the tundra did the only thing i am missing is the v8 power and i think tacoma needs more available options like homelink and over head console with temp and compass. But i still love it w/out the features..

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  great value - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jus - January 29 - 10:00 am

  after weeks of research comparing mid size suvs, I chose the highlander, hands down, as the best value in its class. I purchased the 4X2 V6, The cars ride is fantastic and the V6 provides plenty of power. (the V4 is no slouch, but I found that there was a bit more engine noise when acclerating) At a base price of less than $23K, I got mine with options - for very close to invoice. Do your research and get quotes online - will save you alot of time. I also looked at honda pilot but the dealer was not willing to deal. The Pilot will cost you $3K more than a highlander with the same features. The highlander is a great car and the best bang for your buck!

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  NORMAL CAR OWNER - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By LARRY BUTLER - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY CAR IT HAS BEEN IN 2 ACCIDENTS AND I HAVE NO DAMAGE. I WAS REAR ENDED TWICE AND I HAVE A MINOR NECK INJURY FROM THE FIRST WRECK, BUT MY CAR HAS NO DAMAGE. IT WAS INSPECTED AND THEY ADVISED NO DAMAGE. NOT EVEN A SCRATCH...

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  Finally something to beat the Odyssey - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By VKG - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Almost decided to buy the Odyssey when someone mentioned the new 04 Sienna. It was love at first sight. The bold styling and the available features coupled with bigger size and improved performance, this van easily beats the Odyssey. The handling is exceptionally smooth and car like. Got something for everyone in the family.

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  Real REVIEW of Toyota Sequioa - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By harry - January 29 - 7:16 am

  I have had 04 Sequoia for over 2 years and 45k in miles. I hope to give some real depth for consumers that are trying to make a decision. The vehicle has a great engine. In USA everyone Wants "Horsepower". The truth is it is about Torque, gear ratios, transmission, then horsepower. The engine is refined and so smooth.The ride is second to none. I put over 20k per year on it. Interior detail, do you want a bunch of gizmos, or money to go into workmanship! 4x4 has locking differential! Great stereo.

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  I love what you do for me Toyota. - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By raasfaas - January 28 - 9:20 pm

  What a sweet deal for a sweet ride. I mean it drives a lot better than the previous tacoma, longer, wider, taller, roomier, more powerful for just about the same price. Has more features and much more fun to drive thanks to the more powerful powerplant and 5 speed transmission.

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  I am blown away! - 2017 Toyota Prius
  By Ed Edmundson - January 28 - 7:19 pm

  I was hesitant to buy a hybrid, but after many hours of research, I concluded that reliability of the hybrid battery was not a concern. The big surprise is that Prius is a luxury car. The seats are fabulous, very smooth ride, good handling, and amazing technology. I am just really impressed by the gas mileage. I also think the styling is awesome. Overall, I am extremely satisfied and looking forward to many years of happy motoring. The only complaint is about the hatch, which has no inside release, nor is it on the key fob. I think this was a huge oversight. There is some road noise at highway speeds, but I believe it is the low rolling resistance tires. That is fixable. I was a loyal Nissan owner for a very long time, but Nissan is really having terrible time with their CVTs. My 2013 Sentra was having transmission troubles at 68,000. I am a Toyota convert now. I shied away from Toyota for a long time, because I thought they were ugly, rough-riding, and uncomfortable. Boy have they really changed!